Swine flu wedding features matching face masks, latex gloves

Ilana Jackson and Jeremy Fierstien proceeded with their planned wedding
ceremony after doctors gave them assurances that guests would not face any
serious risk. (AP Photo/Duhon Studio Photography, Sukit Subanersanti)

The festivities featured something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something very, very new: a bride and groom traditionally dressed in white gown and tuxedo, punctuated by matching latex gloves and...face masks?

Yes, matching face masks. The kind worn by doctors on TV and in real life flu pandemics. On Sunday, less than 48 hours after learning that they both had swine flu, a Chicago couple marched down the aisle wearing surgical masks and latex gloves  Well, technically, they walked around to avoid infecting family and friends.

Ilana Jackson and Jeremy Fierstien proceeded with their planned wedding ceremony after doctors gave them assurances that guests would not face any serious risk. To be safe, the 26-year-old couple kept a 10 feet away from their guests at all times, even walking around the gathering instead of down the aisle at a Highland Park synagogue.

Jackson says that the couple had joked about swine flu after both suffered a bout of vomiting, achy limbs and fever. However, neither imagined they actually had the H1N1 swine flu virus.

The couple is doing their best to put a positive spin and look forward to a speedy recovery and a happy marriage.